15 Things You Could Buy for $1 in the ’90s (That Cost a Fortune Now)
A dollar in the ’90s could get you everything from a burger to a gallon of gas—now, you’d be lucky to get a stick of gum.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
The ’90s were a golden age for cheap thrills, where a single dollar could stretch way further than it does today. From snacks to entertainment, everyday items that once cost pocket change have skyrocketed in price. If you ever find yourself wishing you could time-travel, these 15 price jumps might just be the reason why.
1. McDonald’s Cheeseburger
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
Back in the ’90s, a single dollar could score you a cheeseburger, fries, and maybe even a drink from the Dollar Menu. Today, that burger costs around $3, and the Dollar Menu barely hangs on. Fast food inflation has made grabbing a cheap bite a thing of the past. If you ever find an actual $1 burger now, it’s probably a mistake.
2. A Gallon of Gas
John Margolies on Wikimedia Commons
A crisp dollar bill could fill up a whole gallon of gas, letting you cruise around without a second thought. Now, you’d need at least $4 to get the same amount, and that’s on a good day. Gas prices have soared thanks to inflation, oil demand, and everything in between. If you tried to drive on just one dollar’s worth of gas today, you wouldn’t make it to the next block.
3. A Pack of Baseball Cards
Bowman Gum on Wikimedia Commons
For just a buck, you could grab a fresh pack of Topps or Upper Deck baseball cards, hoping for a rare rookie card. Now, some packs cost $10 or more, and vintage cards from the ’90s are worth small fortunes. Nostalgic collectors have driven up prices, making what was once a cheap hobby into an expensive obsession. If you kept your old cards, congratulations—you’re sitting on a gold mine.
4. A Movie Rental from Blockbuster
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A single dollar was enough to rent a movie for the weekend, giving you unlimited rewatches (as long as you returned it on time). Streaming has taken over, and while it’s convenient, it’s also way more expensive than a $1 rental. Now, individual rentals cost $4 or more, and subscription fees keep creeping higher. Plus, nothing beats the thrill of walking into Blockbuster and browsing for the perfect flick.
5. A Candy Bar
NIAID on Wikimedia Commons
Snickers, Reese’s, and Hershey’s were all just a buck, making snack breaks a no-brainer. Now, a standard candy bar can cost $2 or more, and king-sized versions are practically a luxury item. Shrinkflation has also made them smaller, so you’re paying more for less chocolate. If Willy Wonka saw today’s candy prices, he’d probably start charging admission to his factory.
6. A Can of Soda
Tony Webster on Wikimedia Commons
Grabbing a cold can of Coke or Pepsi for a dollar was easy, whether from a vending machine or a gas station. Today, vending machines want at least $2, and convenience stores often charge even more. Meanwhile, soda bottles have also gotten smaller, making it a double whammy. If you want a refreshing sip now, be ready to pay up.
7. A Comic Book
AlejandroLinaresGarcia on Wikimedia Commons
Back in the day, a crisp dollar could get you the latest issue of Spider-Man or Batman at the corner store. Now, new comics can cost $4–$5 each, and vintage ’90s editions can go for hundreds. With collectors and nostalgia driving up the market, comic book prices have leaped into another universe. Even superheroes can’t save us from inflation.
8. A Pack of Gum
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A dollar could get you a whole pack of gum, enough to last through a week of school. Now, gum prices have chewed through inflation, with some packs costing over $2. Even worse, brands have reduced the number of pieces per pack, making each chew more expensive—so much for fresh breath on a budget.
9. Ice Cream Truck Treats
Ossewa on Wikimedia Commons
In the ’90s, you could chase down the ice cream truck and grab a Bomb Pop, Choco Taco, or Drumstick for a single dollar. Now, the same treats cost $3–$5, and some have even been discontinued (RIP Choco Taco). Ice cream trucks still bring joy, but they also bring sticker shock. These days, you might need to take out a small loan for a SpongeBob popsicle.
10. Bowling Games
hyolee2 on Wikimedia Commons
A single game of bowling cost about $1 per person at many alleys in the ’90s, making it a cheap way to hang out. Today, expect to pay at least $5–$7 per game, plus extra for shoes. Some places charge even more, turning what was once a budget-friendly night into a pricey outing. At this rate, we might all have to switch to Wii Bowling instead.
11. A Taco from Taco Bell
1000b on Wikimedia Commons
Back in the day, a basic Taco Bell taco was just 59 cents, meaning you could grab a couple with a dollar. Now, the same taco is over $1.50, and combo meals cost way more. Fast food was once the ultimate budget-friendly option, but not anymore. Your wallet feels it every time you hit the drive-thru.
12. A Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket
Jonathan Cutrer on Wikimedia Commons
A dollar could buy you the thrill of a potential jackpot, with scratch-off tickets being a cheap way to dream big. While $1 tickets still exist, many states have upped the minimum to $2 or $5 for better odds. The chance to win big now costs more, and inflation even affects gambling. Who knew playing the lottery could get so pricey?
13. A Carnival Game Play
Jason Knauer on Wikimedia Commons
One dollar could buy you a chance to win a stuffed animal at the fair, even if the odds were against you. Now, most carnival games cost $3–$5 per play, and prizes are just as hard to win. The thrill of trying hasn’t changed, but the price tag sure has. Also, let’s be honest—you’re still going home with a tiny plastic fish instead of that giant teddy bear.
14. A Greeting Card
Johannes Endletzberger on Wikimedia Commons
A birthday or holiday card from Hallmark or the grocery store used to be $1. Today, most greeting cards are $4–$8, and some fancy ones with music or pop-ups can be over $10. At this point, it’s almost cheaper to buy a small gift instead. Better yet, just send a heartfelt text—it’s free!
15. A Pencil and Eraser Set
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School supplies were dirt cheap in the ’90s, with a buck getting you a couple of pencils, an eraser, and maybe even a small notebook. A single mechanical pencil can cost $2–$3, and those “fancy” erasers shaped like animals or food can cost $5 or more. The price of staying prepared for class has definitely gone up. Good luck to kids today trying to afford a full pencil case.